Organisations from across Wales have begun responding to the appointment of Rhun ap Iorwerth as the country’s new First Minister, with calls for urgent action on skills, public services, housing and economic growth.
The Plaid Cymru leader was formally elected by the Senedd on Tuesday, becoming the first non-Labour politician to hold the role since devolution began in 1999.
Following the historic appointment, business groups, unions, education leaders and housing charities have all outlined their priorities for the new Welsh Government.
ACCA Cymru/Wales congratulated Plaid Cymru on forming the new Welsh Government and called on ministers to focus on skills, productivity, business support and climate action.
Its pre-election priorities included expanding apprenticeships and funded short courses, improving support for SMEs, boosting productivity through multi-year public funding and helping businesses meet climate targets.
Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said:
“In Wales, ACCA has a thriving community of over 6,400 members and students working in all sectors of the economy and in all parts of the country, supporting businesses and organisations of all sizes. We hope that our expertise, insights and research can support the work of the new government to grow the economy of Wales and build a better Wales.”
Education union NAHT Cymru also welcomed the appointment while warning of ongoing pressures facing schools across Wales.
Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said:
“We congratulate Rhun ap Iorwerth on his election by the Senedd to become first minister.
“Plaid Cymru’s manifesto recognised some of the key pressures on schools – from supporting children with additional learning needs (ALN) to the impact of issues like poverty and mental ill-health.
“But schools will need significantly more investment, with many facing severe financial pressures which hamper their ability to deliver the education young people deserve.
“We look forward to working with the new Welsh Government to ensure our school leaders are better equipped to deliver for pupils.”
Meanwhile, UNISON Cymru said the new Welsh Government must now turn manifesto pledges into action.
UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner said:
“Plaid Cymru made manifesto commitments that align closely with priorities public service workers have been raising for years. Those promises must now become action that’s properly funded.
“UNISON expects Rhun ap Iorwerth to follow through on his pledge to deliver annual pay rises for public service workers. These workers are Wales’ backbone and have kept communities going through austerity, underfunding and rising demand. All of them need a government that follows through.
“Insourcing, a national care service, council housing and public transport investment are also central to building stronger communities and better local economies.
“UNISON Cymru will work constructively with the new government through social partnership. But public service workers will judge this Senedd on delivery. The new government must now quickly turn manifesto commitments into action.”
The hospitality sector has also urged the new administration to prioritise economic growth and reform business rates.
UKHospitality Cymru said cutting business taxes and reforming business rates could help drive growth, regenerate high streets and support communities across Wales.
The organisation has called on the Welsh Government to make hospitality a key part of its economic strategy, including backing investment in tourism and improving collaboration between industry and government.
David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, said:
“Throughout our engagement, it’s clear the new First Minister understands the power of hospitality to drive growth, create jobs and support Welsh communities.
“He understands that our local pubs, restaurants and hotels, to name a few, are a vital part of our Welsh identity and culture, but that they have been overwhelmed with cost and red tape.
“I’ve been pleased to work with the First Minister and Plaid Cymru in opposition and was delighted at its commitments to reduce our sector’s tax burden, particularly when it comes to business rates.
“I hope actions to unshackle the potential of hospitality will be one of the first acts of this new Welsh Government and I very much look forward to working with the First Minister and his team to make their manifesto commitments a reality.”
Housing and homelessness charities have also issued a joint call for action as Wales continues to face what they describe as a housing emergency.
A coalition of organisations from Homes for All Cymru has urged Senedd party leaders to work together to tackle homelessness, deliver affordable homes and create a long-term housing strategy.
The group highlighted Welsh Government figures showing more than 10,000 people are currently living in temporary accommodation each month, while over 170,000 people remain on waiting lists for a social home in Wales.
Ruth Power, Chief Executive of Shelter Cymru and Chair of Homes for All Cymru, said:
“As a sector, we’re sending a clear message – we are experiencing an unprecedented housing emergency in Wales and urgent action is needed. Every day, our organisations see the devastating impacts of housing insecurity for thousands of households, including families and children, across Wales. We hope that party leaders will sit up and take notice of our united call for action to build a Wales where everyone has a safe, secure, genuinely affordable home. We want each member of the Senedd to know that we are all ready to help in delivering the changes that people across Wales so desperately need.”
Debbie Thomas, Head of Policy and Communications at Crisis Cymru, added:
“Thousands of households across Wales are facing homelessness and housing insecurity which is harming their health and wellbeing. This is devastating but – with the right political commitments – it is also avoidable.
“We were pleased to see political parties of all colours pledge to boost housing supply in their election manifestos. But now we need these words put into action. With a minority government, party leaders must work together and commit to making affordable homes – especially social homes – and housing support a priority. It is essential that we do all we can to protect people from the trauma of homelessness and to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”
